Thanks to Baron Hubert von Pantz from Schloss Mittersill Austria in 1946 for having the vision to create a little-Austria village in the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire in the town of Franconia. The Mittersill Alpine ski experience was born, and years of skiing ensued and the history of Mittersill during that time is fascinating! Skiing continued until the winters of 1980 and 1981; which were poor winters for ski areas, and Mittersill was affected financially. At this time the area had been operated by the Franconia Development Co. and the ski area ws forced to close in 1984.  In 1989 the Special Use Permit from the Forest Service ended, and  the ski area lands were transferred to the State of NH for the cost of one dollar. 2009 marked an exchange of federal and state lands and 100 acres of the upper portion of the abandoned Mittersill Ski Area joined the system of state lands as part of the Cannon Mountain Ski area; which then managed the terrain on Mittersill as a lift-accessed backcountry area.  In 2010 the new double-chair lift was installed; and operations began in 2011. The Mittersill project continues to improve the Cannon Mountain ski area which many future skiiers will enjoy. New Hampshire state wide TV station, WMUR, has a wonderful nightly television program called NH Chronicle which features New Hampshire activities, companies, programs, special events and services.  It is a fun, and entertaining way to learn about our beautiful state.  This week featured a story on the above-the-notch historic Mittersill ski area in Franconia. Enjoy the segment here.